Author: Melissa Altland

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Cummings Wedding | Palladium

There’s a lot we can say about 2020, but one thing for sure is that love will always win! Adapting, pivoting, and pivoting again is what many couples had to endure including James and Monica. They certainly have a sweet love story too. They’ve known each other since they were kids, but life happened that disconnected them. Later they connected again, and he proposed to her at her birthday party!! I got to see the recorded video and she was so surprised!!

Their wedding on August 22nd at the Palladium in Baltimore, Maryland was still just as lovely, and their strength in one another carried them through this difficult year. Also, how fun was it to have a little block party after their wedding! It was a beautiful wedding, and I couldn’t be more happier for you both.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Cummings!

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Alexis | Maternity Session

Fall leaves + a matching gown with a vintage chair…Perfection! This session was so much fun, even though it was chilly and sort of rainy! However, we made it happen before it started to rain even more. It was a pleasure to meet, and create with Alexis!

This is one of my gowns from Chicaboo, and it’s available for maternity, and non-maternity sessions!

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John and Ashton | Three Gables Barn

John had a day planned out to go to Opposum Lake, and go for a walk with Ashton. Things happened that some family came along too, and John and Ashton brought their dogs. It really sounded like a romantic, and fun day to be out with loved ones! Then, when John was ready, he handed the dog’s leash to Ashton’s sister. Ashton jokingly started calling him a “pansy” for not walking the dog, but little did she know what was about to happen. He got down on one knee, and proposed! BUT, she thought he was just kidding because they are a goofy couple who are playful, and love to joke around. John said he was serious, so she said told him to ask again!
Of course she said yes!

They were laughing while telling me their proposal story! It’s been a fun adventure getting to meet this couple, and I’m so excited for the wedding in September 2021. It will be stunning at the Three Gables Barn. Plus, their dog Rhett will be in it too!!

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Tyler and Raven | Maternity Session

I’m so excited for Tyler and Raven as they prepare for the arrival of Baby “L”! Miss “K” is very excited about
becoming a big sister, and it was pretty funny when we were talking about who is taking care of the diapers.
Here’s to a new journey of sweet baby cuddles, smiles, and all the messes that come with it!

This gown is available for maternity, and non-maternity sessions!
 

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Make A Wish | Fundraising Event 2020

Year after year, this team does everything they can to raise money to support a lot of wishes for children in the area. The biggest fundraising event is in the summer, but it looked different this year. Last year they were able to have a big indoor auction. When the challenge was brought on by the restrictions, the team actually made the event was bigger and better! I believe they are considering on having their next one like this too with vendors, food trucks, and entertainment.

Regardless of the pandemic, LeAnn’s Make-A-Wish team succeeded in raising over $17,000 for 2020! It was absolutely incredible as always to see everyone come together, and put on such a huge event! Unfortunately due to COVID, their Make-A-Wish child, Noelle, wasn’t able to be there in-person.
Nonetheless everyone who pitched in had one thought in common…It’s for the KIDS!


This is Noelle who is 6 years old, and is being treated for cancer in Hershey.
Her wish was a yellow English Labrador Retriever puppy! Noelle’s wish came true the day before the event. Meet little AJ!

Please enjoy some of the highlights from the day. If you feel led to make a donation, or donate items that can be sold for auctions/raffles, you are welcome to contact me and I’ll inform the team!

To follow for more upcoming events and news, click here!

BorderLine did a great job providing music for the event, and Brad Trackman concluded the event!

Thank you Food Truck Vendors for supplying an amazing selection, and donation a portion of your sales to Make-A-Wish!

 

 

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Baby “L” | Newborn Session

This little boy…he slept through the ENTIRE SESSION! We couldn’t get over how super chill he was! Little Miss “M” was hilarious too. The word that got her to smile the most was COOKIE! Working with kids is the best. Never a dull moment!

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Maria Naylor | Primerica

It was my pleasure doing these headshots for Maria Naylor! Can you believe we took these on her property?!
She requested something that felt more natural/earthy, and I feel like we accomplished just that!

A little background:
I met Maria through the networking chapter that I joined in February 2020 called, Master Networks. Her story of originally being a healthcare worker, then switching to help people get an incredible life insurance policy (and more) really stuck with me.

When you plan your headshots, I encourage you to go beyond the professional black backdrop (don’t get me wrong, those still looks great).
Business photography has evolved a lot, and it feels like more than ever Clients want to CONNECT. I absolutely love this because
it’s amazing when you and your Client vibe perfectly together!

So, when you see these headshots…what do you think they say about her?

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Tom and Amy | Maternity Session

maternity session

There is always so much beauty watching a mom to-be embracing her baby while in the womb. What was even more exciting was Amy, and Tom didn’t know their baby’s gender! On July 13th, they welcomed a sweet little baby girl! Congratulations you guys! Parenthood looks good on you both!

This gown is available for expecting, and non-expecting ladies to use for your session with me.

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COVID19 Birthday | Bronya Schmoyer Ceramics

April 11, 2020…my daughter turned 13! Whaaat??!! I still can’t believe I have a TEENAGER! It’s amazing how fast they
grow in a blink of an eye. However, this year was different. The original plans of having a fun mother daughter shopping trip
didn’t happen. She was bummed, but ok since she is a pretty chill kid, but as a Mom I was sad for her.

Many of you who know me, or at least have followed me for awhile know that I’m a huge cheerleader for small businesses! With the change in plans, I was incredibly thrilled to see a special clay project that Bronya Schmoyer Ceramics was offering! I messaged her almost last minute, and ordered 2 clay projects because we all know little brother would want to play too! The day started with presents which she got some gift cards, crafts, makeup, and of course books! She is an incredible reader! For lunch we ordered Indian food from Banana Leaf in Mechanicsburg. It was so good as always! Then it was time to play! Earlier in the week, Bronya went LIVE on her facebook page to show how to make a pinch pot. She also encouraged us to make whatever we wanted if they kiddos had other ideas.

I can’t say enough how much joy this project was, and how fun it was to see my kid’s laugh with each other!!
Thank you so much Bronya for thinking outside the box during this pandemic! You’ve brought a lot of light, and laughter in our world!

Please check out her facebook and instagram for mugs she has available to purchase, and to see more of her work!

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Schultz Wedding | Duncannon, Pa

Their story began out of Deb’s pure curiosity as to how Tyler’s John Deere backhoe worked. Who would have thought that years later on that very same property where they shared their first kiss, they would become husband and wife…

The Wedding took place on their own private property that faces the Susquehanna River. This October day was absolutely gorgeous! The blue checkered pattern isn’t only on her favorite lotion, but it’s also a huge part of the wedding decor! I love so much how it all ties in! While Tyler was getting ready, we had a fun conversation regarding counting down facts that he learned while preparing these last few months for the wedding! I loved watching Deb’s excitement over Instagram with her countdowns on the letter board, and how throughout all the wedding planning, she stayed true to herself with her watch! Then, it was just by the hands of Tyler’s Mom stitching on the final details to add the finishing touch…Everyone was ready to witness the marriage of Tyler, and Deb…including one of their cats!

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Schultz!!!

But wait…there’s more to this story that I don’t want you to miss as you’re looking through their pictures….When Tyler was just a boy, he found 3 beautiful stones when he was mining in North Carolina. Ever since then they were sitting in their natural form in a film canister, and now in the form of a gorgeous engagement ring. And, if you look closely…their wedding bands were custom made! It’s their quote that has always stuck with them,”Over, or Under, or Through”, written in elveish! The photos where you see them on the driveway with their guests behind them is where they had their first kiss!…and the John Deere that brought them together!

Hair Stylist: Jolene’s Hair Studio
DJ: Faust Entertainment
Florist: Sweet Pea Petals
Makeup Artist: Melissa Altland (me!)
Caterer: Kristy’s Whistle Stop
Donuts: Mutzabaugh’s Market